Police Entrance Practice Exam

Which amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?

1. The Second Amendment

2. The Fourth Amendment

3. The Fifth Amendment

4. The Sixth Amendment

The correct answer is: The Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is designed to protect citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This amendment establishes the right of individuals to be secure in their homes, papers, and effects against arbitrary interference by law enforcement. It requires that any warrant must be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause, which adds a layer of legal protection for personal privacy and property rights. In the context of law enforcement, this means officers must have substantial justification to search an individual or their property, thus ensuring that citizens are not subjected to intrusive actions without proper legal authority. This fundamental principle is crucial in maintaining the balance between the need for police to conduct investigations and the rights of individuals to be free from government overreach.